U.S. News & World Report releases 2017 rankings
CONWAY—The University of Central Arkansas improved its ranking among top public institutions in the South, according to the 2017 Best Colleges rankings by U.S. News & World Report released Tuesday, Sept. 13.
The university achieved a ranking of 24, which is higher than the 2016 ranking of 29 in the category of “Top Public Schools” among regional universities in the South.
U.S. News & World Report defines a regional university as an institution that provides a full range of undergraduate majors and master’s programs with few, if any, doctoral programs. The 653 universities in the “Best Regional Universities” category were ranked against their peer groups in one of four geographic regions. Generally, these universities draw students most heavily from surrounding states, according to U.S. News & World Report.
“We are honored to once again be listed in the top tier of regional public institutions in the South,” said UCA President Tom Courtway. “The prestigious ranking shows that we continue to be committed to our students and offer an outstanding and very affordable education. Our goal is to improve this ranking each year. With our increased admission standards, improved retention rates and higher ACT scores for entering freshmen, we are on a great path.”
Overall, UCA ranks 72 among public and private institutions in the Top Tier of the “Best Regional Universities” in the South category. One private and six other public universities also ranked at 72.
“I am very pleased that the University of Central Arkansas continues to be ranked as one of the top 25 public universities in the South. Our improvement in this ranking is evidence that our efforts are paying off for our students,” said Dr. Steven Runge, executive vice president and provost. “We strive for excellence in all that we do, and our ranking is an indication of that fact. As we continue to strengthen our programs and operations, we anticipate that our already strong ranking will continue to improve.”
Founded in 1907, the University of Central Arkansas dedicates itself to academic vitality, integrity and diversity. The university strives to provide strong academic programs to meet the diverse needs of those it serves through innovations in learning, scholarship and creative endeavors. UCA is committed to the intellectual, social and personal development of its students, the advancement of knowledge through excellence in teaching and research and service to the community.
